Elbrus Region Research Articles

Assessment of radioactivity of cryoconites from glaciers of Elbrus mountain and glacial soils of Elbrus region, Russia

Assessment of radioactivity of cryoconites from glaciers of Elbrus mountain and glacial soils of Elbrus region, Russia

Functional Variability of Tools at Epipaleolithic Sites of the Elbrus Region

The goal of this paper is to report results of research of the influence that economic specifics of the Epipalaeolithic sites in the Elbrus region had on the composition of lithic industry. The traceological analysis made it possible to determine a functional variability of tools in sites dated from different age. Based on the correlation of the habitation activity index and technical, typological and traceological analyses, the sites dating after the Last Glacial maximum and to the beginning of the Holocene were preliminarily divided into three groups. At these sites, not only the percentage of retouched tools differs, but also their functional use is different. The determination of functional specificity of assemblages and economic specialization of the site is an important component of inter-assemblage comparison, especially those assemblages that existed simultaneously within a chronological cycle and were located on the same territory.

Monitoring the baric modulation of gas concentration in the Baksan Neutrino Observatory tunnel in the Elbrus Region using a differential absorption lidar

For the first time, concentrations of gases 12CO2,13CO2, СН4, Н2О and the dynamics of Earth degassing under the changing atmospheric pressure were remotely analyzed using a differential absorption lidar. To reduce the influence of external meteorological factors, the sensing was carried out in a dead-end tunnel of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Моделирование суточной вариации атмосферного электрического поля в турбулентном приземном слое

An electrodynamic model of the electric field dynamics behavior in the atmospheric surface layer due to the action of local factors is presented. The model was obtained by reducing the differential equations system of the electrode effect to the so-called total current equation, which is a second-order equation of parabolic type, considered in a two-dimensional space-time region. The total current equation allows us to connect the set of main factors influencing on the atmospheric surface layer electric field state: conduction current, turbulent current and current arising as a result of convective processes in the atmosphere with the so-called total current in the nearground layer, reflecting changes in the ionospheric potential. The described method provides significant advantages in research, since within the framework of one model it allows the formulation of various problems of electrodynamics of the surface layer and a comparative analysis of the influence on the behavior of the electric field in the surface layer of both individual factors and their combinations. Based on meteorological data at the Peak Cheget mountain station in the Elbrus region, a daily variation in the values of the turbulent diffusion coefficient was constructed. The resulting analytical dependence was used to solve the equation for the total current in the surface layer, provided that it is constant at the upper boundary of the turbulent electrode layer. Solutions obtained by the Fourier method describe the daily variation of the electric field strength depending on the degree of turbulent mixing in the atmosphere. The appearance of a time shift in daily extrema, a change in their amplitude, and the appearance of additional extrema depending on the elec-tric field values have been established. All of these effects are comparable to the global unitary variation and increase with increasing electric field.

Modelling of a Lake Outburst as a Result of the Development of Piping

The retreat of mountain glaciers inevitably leads to an increase in the number of outburst moraine lakes. One of the possible mechanisms of moraine dam outburst along with overflow over the crest is the formation of a filtration channel in the body of the moraine dam (piping). An algorithm for calculating the outburst flood hydrograph, describing the development of a filtration channel in the body of a moraine dam and the subsequent formation of water overflow when the soil above the channel collapses, is proposed in this paper. Verification of proposed methodology was carried out on the basis of experimental data and published data of real outbursts. Satisfactory results verifying this methodology made it possible to use the proposed methodology for the calculation of the hydrograph of the outburst of Lake Bashkara in the Elbrus region, which occurred on 1 September 2017. It is shown that the simulation results are quantitatively comparable with the estimates obtained from field data: the time of water discharge through the channel was 16 min, the period of the outburst wave passage was 40 min, and the maximum discharge was 636 m3/s. Thus, the possibility of applying the proposed methodology for calculating the destruction of natural moraine dams has been demonstrated.

Toxic Element Contamination Sources in the Surface and Groundwater of the Elbrus Region: Geochemistry and Health Risks

The region surrounding the Elbrus volcano in the Great Caucasus is a popular tourist destination, home to native people and an area of the richest ore mineral resources. Based on the chemical composition of surface water, mineral, and groundwater in the Elbrus area, as well as statistical and thermodynamic calculations, waters with high concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ba, W, Pb, and As were identified, possible mineral phases that may lead to these metal concentrations in water were estimated, and risks to human health were assessed. Two main sources of surface water pollution have been identified: (1) water from tailings that are enriched due to oxidation of sulfide minerals is considered a source of As (181 µg/L) and Mo (2070 µg/L) pollution in the area of the Tyrnyauz W-Mo deposit; and (2) CO2-rich waters of deep horizons discharge on the earth surface with high concentrations of As (828 µg/L) and W (504 µg/L). It has been shown that compared to all toxic elements studied, only Mo and As have adverse non-carcinogenic effects on adult health. The estimated carcinogenic risk of As in the mine area was 1.7 × 10−3 and exceeded the generally accepted range of 10−4 to 10−6. In order to minimize the health risks, regular monitoring of water quality is required when mining activities on the Tyrnyauz W-Mo deposit are renewed.

Smittia solominae sp. nov. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), living on ice of high mountain glaciers of the Elbrus Region (North Caucasus).

Illustrated morphological description with a study of DNA barcoding and biology of adult male, pupa and larva of Smittia solominae sp. nov., living on the ice surface of glaciers at an altitude of about 3000 m above sea level in the Elbrus region of the North Caucasus is given. DNA barcoding provided support that the new species unique within genus Smittia. The average interspecific distances between S. solominae sp. nov. and other Smittia from BOLD above 12% that correspond to species level.

Динамика физиологических показателей студентов г. Луганска при прохождении практики в высокогорье

Adverse ecological conditions put a strain on the functional reserves of young people. Hypoxic training in the mountains is the gold standard of adaptive physiology. The purpose of this paper was to study the physiological parameters of young Lugansk residents moving from the lowlands to the highlands. Materials and methods. Students of Lugansk State Pedagogical University (n = 19) were examined before, during and after their stay in the Elbrus region. To monitor the physiological parameters, pulse oximetry was performed using the MD300M device, blood pressure was measured using the auscultation method, Kérdö index and CO2 concentration in the blood using capnometry were determined. Results. The baseline level of health in students was found to be low. After a 5-day stay in the mountains, a certain increase in physiological well-being was noted, which persisted upon returning to Lugansk (aftereffect period). Namely, heart rate (HR) decreased from 86.14 ± 3.63 to 81.16 ± 2.19 bpm; 10 days later the effect remained: HR was 80.87 ± 4.77 bpm. Oxygen saturation increased from 94.86 ± 0.31 to 96.16 ± 0.32 %; on the 10th day upon returning to the city, it was 95.29 ± 0.33 %. Autonomic balance shifted from sympathicotonia (Kérdö index = 22.92 ± 5.48 conventional units) towards normotonia (Kérdö index = 15.56 ± 3.55 conventional units). CO2 concentration in the arterial blood was 4.73 ± 0.08 % at baseline, 5.03 ± 0.15 % on the 3rd day in the mountains, 5.16 ± 0.20 % on the 2nd day of aftereffect, and 4.86 ± 0.09 % on the 10th day. Breath-holding time increased, which indicates that adaptation to hypoxia occurred. During their stay in the mountains, students went on daily hikes at 1500– 3450 m above sea level. The fluctuating mode of hypoxic training was accompanied by a subjective feeling of unwellness, weakness and vertigo, which is understandable considering the mechanisms of physiological adaptation to hypoxia. The results of the study confirm that measures need to be taken in order to increase the level of functional reserves of young people living in Lugansk.

Monitoring the Baric Modulation of Gas Concentration in the Baksan Neutrino Observatory Tunnel in the Elbrus Region Using Differential Absorption Lidar

Monitoring the Baric Modulation of Gas Concentration in the Baksan Neutrino Observatory Tunnel in the Elbrus Region Using Differential Absorption Lidar

Preliminary studies on radon concentration in CO2-rich mineral waters of the Elbrus area (Caucasus, Russia)

The geological and geochemical conditions as well as radon concentrations of ten manifestations of СО2-rich waters in the Elbrus area are considered in this paper. Also, content of uranium and thorium were measured in waters and in host rocks. The data were compared with chemical and isotopic composition of associated gases. It is established that water bearing rocks are classified into rocks of low and normal radioactivity. The contents of uranium (<1.37 μg/L) and thorium (<0.3 μg/L) in the water are low. Measurements of radon concentrations in water and gas flux of mineral springs in the Elbrus area indicate that most of them are weakly radioactive (6–33 Bq/L, 25-350 Bq/m3, respectively). The CO2-rich mineral waters of the Tyrnyauz exhibit the highest level of radioactivity (33 Bq/L) within the Elbrus area. Isotopical gas studies have shown that within the Elbrus region there is a connection with the deep horizons of the Earth's crust, from which various fluids (water and gases) can rise to the surface. Although Rn values are low and cannot be used for medical purposes, natural objects with similar characteristics can be used to observe the state of the geological environment (e.g. earthquakes) and as natural laboratories to establish the mechanisms of deep gas migration to the surface.

Diversity of the Red Blood Parameters System in the Pigmy Field Mouse and the House Mouse (Rodentia, Muridae) in the Elbrus Region: Multivariate and Information Analyses

The variability and evenness (diversity) of the red blood parameters system was assessed for the first time using multivariate and information analysis methods in the synanthropic M. musculus and the hemisynanthropic A. (S.) uralensis in the Central Caucasus Mountains (Elbrus region). The paper introduces the concept of the actual “niche” of the red blood parameters system in the multidimensional space of the descriptive model. The niches of A. (S.) uralensis and M. musculus were clearly differentiated, and the niche volume of A. (S.) uralensis significantly exceeding that of M. musculus. Interspecific differences in the seasonal regulation of blood parameters were described, which in A. (S.) uralensis was more complex and clearly cyclical from “winter” to “autumn” season. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that, compared to M. musculus, A. (S.) uralensis realises a more flexible adaptation strategy to seasonal changes in the environment. The tested methodology of data analysis allows to consider the results of particular studies on mammalian haematopoietic regulation in the broader context of problems of biodiversity, dynamics and self-organisation of biological systems.

Diversity of the System of Red Blood Cell Parameters in the Pygmy Field Mouse and the House Mouse (Rodentia, Muridae) in the Elbrus Region: Multivariate and Information Analyses

Diversity of the System of Red Blood Cell Parameters in the Pygmy Field Mouse and the House Mouse (Rodentia, Muridae) in the Elbrus Region: Multivariate and Information Analyses

Isotopic Signature of Precipitation in the Elbrus Region

Isotopic Signature of Precipitation in the Elbrus Region

Comparison of the Effect of Keeping Rats in the Mountains and on the Plain on the Development of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes and Gastric Ulceration

Hypoxia can correct the development of diabetes and its complications in animals and humans, and diabetes exacerbates the gastric ulceration. However, the effect of hypoxia on the gastric ulceration in diabetes remains unknown. The task of the work was to compare the effect of keeping rats in the mountains under moderate natural hypoxia and on the plains on the development of type 1 diabetes and the gastric ulceration. Two weeks after the rats acclimatized to hypoxia (Elbrus region, 2125 m above sea level), they were injected with streptozotocin (STR, 50 or 70 mg/kg) or its vehicle. Simultaneously, rats on the plains were injected with STR (or its vehicle) at the same doses. Indomethacin (IM, 35 mg/kg) was administered two weeks after STR or its vehicle injection in rats after 24 h of fasting, both in the mountains and on the plains, which led to the gastric erosion formation 4 h later. The injection of STR (50 and 70 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent increase in blood glucose levels in rats both in the mountains and on the plains, which indicates the development of diabetes of varying severity. In rats on the plains the administration of STR (50 and 70 mg/kg) led to a dose-dependent increase in the area of erosions induced by IM compared with those in control animals (STR vehicle). In rats in the mountains, an aggravation of gastric mucosal injury caused by IM was observed, both in control rats (STR vehicle) and in animals with STR-induced diabetes, compared with the gastric injury in rats of the corresponding groups on the plains. The greatest increase in the proulcerogenic effect of STR in the mountains was observed when it was administered at a dose of 70 mg/kg. Thus, persistent moderate hypoxia may lead to an increase in IM-induced gastric ulceration in rats with type 1 diabetes, and, in addition, by itself exacerbate the ulcerogenic effect of IM.

From the Epipaleolithic to the Middle Ages. Preliminary Research Results of the “Alebastroviy Zavod Rockshelter” in the Elbrus Region

The article reports the preliminary research results of a multilayer site, which comprises the cultural layers dating from the Middle Ages, Kuro-Araks culture, Eneolithic, Neolithic and Epipaleolithic. Of particular interest are the Neolithic layers dating from ca. 8.2 ka BP or 6.300 BC to 7.5–6.7 ka BP or 5.700–4.800 BC. The site shows not only the earliest evidence of the Ceramic Neolithic in the North Caucasus and also provides the authors an opportunity to study the transformation of the Neolithic culture over time. There is no ceramics in the lower layer. Lithic assemblage from this layer is dated to 9.5 ka BP and shows many similarities in the materials of the Epipaleolithic sites of the Elbrus region. A hunter-gatherer camp from the beginning of the Holocene, which existed during the Pereslavl cold stage (ca. 10–9 ka BP), has been preserved in the layer.

RECONSTRUCTION OF SEDIMENT RUNOFF FORMATION FEATURES IN THE LAKE KHORLAKEL (NORTH CAUCASUS) CATCHMENT FOR THE LAST 8 THOUSAND YEARS (ACCORDING TO GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND LITHOSTRATIGRAPHIC DATA)<a href="#FN2"><sup>2</sup></a>

The change in sediment yield is an important indicator of the natural environment dynamics, depending on the combination of landscape, tectonic and climatic conditions. Assessment of sediment yield often based on the results of studying the bottom sediments of mountain lakes with relatively compact catchments. However, for correct reconstructions, in addition to analyzing lake sediments, it is necessary to study the causes and mechanizm of sediment redistribution in their catchments, to identify sediment delivery pathways to the reservoir and their possible changes over different time windows. The drainless Lake Khorlakel, located at the altitude of 2045.0 m above sea level on the northern macroslope of the Greater Caucasus. It is a suitable testing ground for complex research: on the one hand, the relict reservoir is an ideal sedimentation trap, and on the other, it is located with in an area of intensive exogenous processes and tectonic activity. The two boreholes were drilled in 2017 in the deepest (≈8 m) part of the lake and 17 samples collected taken from the cores for radiocarbon dating, which made it possible to build an age model for the range from 8000 to 500 yr. BP. Complex geological and geomorphological studies were carried out in 2021 to interpret the obtained data. It was found that sedimentation in the lake is associated with runoff and sediment redistribution in the Elbashi creek catchment. A number of episodes of proluvial activation with the formation of an outflow cone, followed by lake accumulation, have been traced for the last 8 kyr. The connection between lake and catchment ceased only in the last 1 kyr. BP. Two main stages of lake sedimentation with a boundary of 3 kyr. BP and 10 episodes, that are characterized by different proportions of mineral and organic components in bottom sediments were established. Some of the lithostratigraphic boundaries correlate with strong earthquakes that occurred in the Elbrus region, and some – with climatic events.

Model of a New Peripheral Near-Surface Magmanic Chamber of the Elbrus Volcanic Center

Intracrustal magmatic structures have pronounced resonant properties, due to which these structures are able to generate secondary seismic waves at their own frequencies. Based on strain data obtained with a 75-meter laser interferometer ‒ strainmeter, resonance modes are identified and parameters of magmatic structures of the Elbrus volcanic center are estimated. Such resonant modes are unique for each magmatic formation and determine the size and physical-mechanical properties of this magmatic structure. This paper analyzes the local formation, which manifested itself as a some compact area of numerous weak seismic pulses registered in the Elbrus region by the seismometers of the Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2011. The results of studies based on seismic and strain data, as well as the results of microseismic sounding, showed the presence of a new peripheral near-surface magmatic chamber in the Elbrus volcanic center. The characteristic size of this new magmatic chamber is 2.5‒3 km.

Время появления техники отжима пластинчатых заготовок на Северо-Западном Кавказе и хронология ее распространения на сопредельных территориях

Introduction. The paper deals with the issue of pressure blademaking emergence chronology in the North-Western Caucasus. The possible paths of the innovation diffusion are discussed. Materials and methods. The study of the lithic technology is based on the materials from the Early Holocene layers of the Dvoinaya Cave and the Chygai Rockshelter. The series of AMS dates were obtained for the layers. The earliest use of pressure blademaking was revealed in the layer 4/5 of the Dvoinaya Cave and the layers 3-5 of the Chygai Rockshelter dated to 11,3–8,5 cal kyr BC and 11,1–8,5 cal kyr BC respectively. Results. The full technological context of the bladelet and microbladelet production with the use of pressure was revealed at the Dvoinaya Cave. The blanks were produced from the conical cores with faceted platforms. In layers 3–5 of the Chygai Rockselter the pressure bladelets and microbladelets were discovered. In both cases the metrics of the pressure produced blanks indicate the use of Mode 3 of the pressure technique (pressure with the use of short crutch in a sitting position). Discussion. We don’t consider possible the diffusion of the technique from the Elbrus region of the North Caucasus as there were two technologically distinct traditions that were partly synchronous. The lower chronological range of the Mode 3 pressure emergence in the North-Western Caucasus roughly coincides with the Early Mlefaatian and the Nemrikian in the south and the Early Butovo in the north. The possible intermediate industries dated to the Early Holocene have not been discovered so far in the neighboring regions to the south or to the north of the North-Western Caucasus. Conclusion. The early timе of the complex mode of the pressure technique emergence in the North-Western Caucasus is indicative of the external adoption and an extremely fast pace of the innovation diffusion in the Early Holocene.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ХИМИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА РЕК ЛЕДНИКОВОГО ПИТАНИЯ КАВКАЗА ПРИ ИНТЕНСИВНОЙ ДЕГРАДАЦИИ ОЛЕДЕНЕНИЯ

The concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Mo, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ag, Cu, Cd, Co, Al, Fe, V) in one of the most powerful glaciation sites in the Caucasus (Mount Elbrus) since the mid-20th century is investigated. To compare the concentrations of heavy metals in the sources of the Baksan River with those in the Garabashi glacier, a stationary point at a level of 4000 m was chosen, where observations of the glacier mass balance are carried out. The number of pit samples depended on the snow accumulation and varied from 7-8 to 18-20 in accordance with the depth of the seasonal snow layer. The concentrations of heavy metals in the ice, snow, and river water samples were determined during the period from 1978 to 2010 at High-mountain Geophysical Institute by the emission spectral analysis. The analysis of samples from 2018-2021 was performed by the atomic absorption method on an MGA-915 spectrometer. Among all categories of the samples taken on the Elbrus slope, the least impurities were found in pure ice on the tongue of the glacier: it contains three times less impurities of Ag, Ni, Mo, Pb: 0.014, 1.15, 0.18, 0.83 µg/L, respectively. In some samples, the metal content is below the detection limit. The concentrations of heavy metals in the seasonal snow pack and river water in the Elbrus region are one-two orders of magnitude lower than maximum permissible concentrations for sanitary water bodies. For the Baksan River basin and the Elbrus glaciation region, there is a slight decrease in the concentrations of heavy metals from the end of the 20th century until the present, with intensive degradation of glaciers.

Geophysical studies of the structure and properties of snow cover at Elbrus region

The paper presents an approach to the study of the structure and properties of snow cover, as well as its quantitative reserves and heterogeneities. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given on the possibility of using the geo-radar method in the study of ski slopes.